The coastal city of Dumaguete was the site of the 2nd Pioneer
National Bangkarera, as part of Republic Chemical Industries, Inc. (RCI)’s 60th
anniversary celebration.

From May 12 to May 14, 2017, thousands gathered along
the city’s main thoroughfare, Rizal Boulevard, to catch the action as 40 teams
of fishing boats made up of 144 entries from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao braved
the challenging waters to register impressive times.

John Spakowski II, RCI Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer, said that they were “inspired about
helping people with the way they do their living and at the same time use our
products to protect and preserve the environment”.

Republic Chemical Industries is
the maker of Pioneer Epoxy bonds, paints and sealants. The race celebrates
fishing as a dignified source of livelihood as well as display the high quality
of Pioneer adhesives--the preferred brand of the fishermen-participants.

OCEAN CONSERVATION EFFORTS

As part of the festivities, Pioneer Adhesives
Foundation, Inc. (PAFI), led by Executive Director Martina Spakowski,
collaborated with the Siliman University Marine Labs to conduct the Reef Fix
project in Dumaguete.

The Reef Fix project is part of “Our Earth,
Our Responsibility”, PAFI’s environmental campaign that responds to the growing
harmful effects of global warming on our environment. During the Reef Fix
project in Dumaguete, 10 volunteer divers participated and dove into the sea of
Siliman Beach to remove the damaging Drupella and Coralliophilia from the coral
reef.

The project has also initiated
activities to repair 4,600 corals as part of sustained efforts to protect
marine sanctuaries in Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Alaminos and Dumaguete City to
improve fish catch. Some 11,200 mangroves were also planted by about 1,815 volunteers.

RACE RESULTS

Teams from the Visayas and the host island of
Negros dominated the score boards. Below are the final race results:

16HP (Open Category)

Champion: Team Pirata of Iligan City
(P110,000)

2nd Place: Team Aranicole of Bulacan (P80,000)

3rd Place: Team Boracay (P50,000)

7HP (Open Category)

Champion: Team Black Manta of Negros
Occidental (P60,000)

2nd Place: Team Overtime of Cebu (P30,000)

3rd Place: Team Cebu (P20,000)

7HP (Angat Sa Dagat Category)

Champion: Team Cebu (P60,000)

2nd Place: Team Tamztroopers of Dipolog City
(P30,000)

3rd Place: Manful Racing Team of Negros
Occidental (P20,000)

Paddle Boat (Open Category)

Champion: Team Tamztroopers of Dipolog City
(P30,000)

2nd Place: Poblacion Sibulan Team of Negros
Occidental (P15,000)

3rd Place: Zamboanguita Team of Negros
Occidental (P10,000)

ABOUT RCI

Over the course of more than half a century,
Republic Chemical Industries, Inc. (RCI) has established a reputation for
trusted products and initiatives that help and support local communities in the
Philippines.